Designing a website can be confusing, intimidating and overwhelming all at the same time. However, by following a few easy steps, almost anyone can create a site to suit their needs and the needs of their audience. Below are some tips for first time designers.

Step 1 Deciding on a domain name
Once you’ve made the decision to create your website, give careful thought to what you want your domain name, or website address, to be called. A website name that is easy to remember and relates to the content on your site will make it easier for visitors to find and remember. There are many different websites which can help you register your domain name. There will be an annual fee to lock in and use that domain name for a specified period of time. It is important to remember to renew your domain name annually. If you do not, someone else can claim it and register it to themselves once it is up for grabs.

After you have decided on a domain name, you will want to choose a web host. This is how you are going to get publicity for your website online. Do your research and choose a reputable web host. A web host serves as the middle man by helping people reach your site. This service also usually carries an annual fee.

Step 2 Planning and preparing
Before you can start to actually bring your website to life, you need to lay the groundwork for your site. In order to keep your website traffic levels up, you will want to be sure you are clear regarding who you are looking to attract and what you are looking to convey. Here are some things to consider when you put pen to paper:

-What is the purpose of your site (informative versus interactive)?
-Who are your visitors (narrow down the types of people you are looking to attract)?
-How do you want your website to be laid out (do you want it geared towards tech savvy people or those with limited web navigation skills)?

Step 3 Execution
This is where it is time to get creative. Unless you’ve done this before, you are very likely not going to be able to create you entire web design yourself from scratch. What you will look to do is search for and decide on a web design provider. Many of these providers charge fees for upgraded designs, but will provide a fairly decent selection of standardized stock designs that will still allow you to personalize your colors and portions of the layout. You will be able to choose a template for your website and then start to fill in all of the information you are looking to include.

Step 4 Trial run and launch
This is the most exciting step in the process. Giving your website a trial run is important because it is your chance to ensure everything is in working order. You’ll want to click on every link on your website to be sure they are all fully operational. Look at your images and text. Does everything line up and present the way you intended? Does your page load without incident?

A common overlooked area is testing your site out on multiple hardware types. For example, your website may look great on a laptop, but take on a different look when viewed on a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet. Keep that in mind when designing your site if possible.

Step 5 Get your website listed with search engines
An internet search will give you more information about this topic, but you will basically want to do an internet search for the applicable search engine’s submission page to sign yourself up. You want to be sure not to skip this step. Why? Because registering your site with multiple search engines will ensure it is seen by a myriad of people searching for sites like yours. Internet traffic is imperative to the success of your site, so be sure to register with as many search engines as you can.

Designing an appealing and easy to navigate website is critical to generating and keeping a steady flow of traffic to your website. Therefore, it is important to take your time and have fun creating your custom site. Explore different formats and layouts. Experiment with colors and fonts. Determine what you want your website to say about you and give it your best shot!